Professionalizing public service delivery

Abstract

Purpose – To consider the concepts of amateurism and professionalism, distinguishing these from professional or amateur status. Design/methodology/approach – Outlines the drive for the professionalization of public service delivery in Europe. Explains how the divide between professional and amateur status has developed and considers its implications. Findings – You are about to have an operation: would you prefer a professionally qualified surgeon or an enthusiastic amateur? Professional status provides reassurance about competence, qualifications and standards. The professionalization of service delivery – particularly in the areas of education, health and social care – has been an issue for some time, especially in the UK. But more attention is also now being given to the contribution made by non-professionals such as teaching assistants, family carers and volunteers. Practical implications – Draws attention to the way new technologies are blurring the distinction between amateur and professional in many areas and providing new opportunities for them to work productively together. Social implications – Highlights the ideological tensions underlying the debate about professionalization, qualifications and how public services are delivered. Originality/value – Presents a wide-ranging discussion of the amateur–professional divide, the contributions made by each and the opportunities for further research in this area.